Welcome to the 'New Zealand Mollusca' website.

This website has evolved from my passion for New Zealand Shells - collecting, studying, and photographing them.

The website focuses primarily on the Molluscan species found within the New Zealand Economic Zone. I have also included taxa/data from Macquarie Island (Australia), and other Sub-Antarctic Islands, along with areas north of NZ, eg. Norfolk Island, Lord Howe Island, when taxa and distributions overlap with NZ.

Identify by shape and form. A new tool has been added to help identify some of the more commonly encountered species of marine, land and freshwater species around New Zealand.
Use the guide to narrow down your search by matching similar visual characteristics with the images.

Updates. I am constantly adding more information about each species, including sizes, habitats, and common names of some species. Genus synonyms are also being added so that older scientific names can be searched for.

Maps. I have included Google Maps to show some of the locations where species have been recorded. Some of these locations are only approximate, and do not necessarily represent the complete range, as new observations are continually being recorded.

References to other publications have been added to the checklist. I have also added references to some of the New Zealand Molluscan Publications, eg. "Poirieria" and "Cookia". These are listed with the Species Details, when species are mentioned in the publication.
Go to list of references and publications.

Addition of Non-Molluscan species. Brachiopods, Echinoderms (Starfish and Sea Urchins) and Barnacles are being added to the checklist. This is to help people identify species that may be mistaken for Mollusca, but are not. Photos and information will be added and updated regularly.

Identification. I am always willing to help with identification of any species. Email me with a clear photo and I will try to help.

If you have any suggestions, enquiries or questions, please email me. Any comments would be appreciated.

 

Andrew Spurgeon

andrew@mollusca.co.nz